Khichdi is such a comfort food for all Indians and there are so many variations of it across the length and breadth of India. Today I present Balaee, a khichdi made with rice, chana, and buttermilk in the Kangra Valley region of Himachal Pradesh.
Balaee – Khichdi with Chana and Cooked in Buttermilk
I found this recipe in Divya Sud Qureshi‘s Flavours from the Kangra Valley, and jumped at a chance to make it because I saw how creamy khichdi is when buttermilk is used as the cooking medium when I made Moong Dal Palak Khichdi Cooked with Buttermilk.
I tried this recipe this past week and must say it will become a regular in our home now along with other Kangra Valley recipes such as Raintha and Mandra.
How to Make Balaee: A Rice and Kala Chana Khichdi
Serves: 4
Soaking Time: 8 to 12 Hours
Cooking Time: 30 Mins
Ingredients
- Rice – 1 Cup
- Kala Chana – 2/3 Cup
- Onion – 1 Large
- Butter Milk – 3 Cups
- Coriander Seeds – 2 tsp
- Cumin Seeds – 3/4 tsp
- Fenugreek Seeds – 1/3 tsp
- Red Chilli Powder – 1/2 tsp
- Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
- Ghee – 2 tsp
- Salt to Taste
Soaking the Chana
- Wash and soak the chana in 2 cups water for at least 8 hours.
- Drain the water and set aside the soaked chana.
Preparing the Rice
- Wash and soak the rice in water for 15 minutes.
- Drain the water and set aside the soaked rice.
Preparing the Masala
- Dry roast the coriander seeds till they just start to change colour. Set aside to cool.
- Dry roast the cumin seeds till they just start to change colour. Set aside to cool.
- Dry roast the fenugreek seeds till they just start to change colour. Set aside to cool.
- Grind together the coriander, cumin, and fenugreek to a fine powder.
Method to Make Balaee
- Peel and thinly slice the onion.
- In a heavy bottomed vessel, heat the ghee.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Fry till the onion turns light brown.
- Add the masala powder, red chilli powder, and turmeric.
- Mix well.
- Add the drained rice and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add the drained kala chana.
- Mix well.
- Add the butter milk and 2/3 tsp salt.
- Mix well.
- Over medium flame, cook covered while mixing occasionally till the rice and chana are cooked.
Or
Pressure cook for 4 whistles. - Season with salt, if required.
- Mix well.
- Serve Balaee hot with a generous dollop of ghee.
Balaee – Khichdi from Himachal Pradesh
Tips
- I pressure cooked this Khichdi because I wanted the Kala Chana to cook well.
- You can also add 3-4 cloves of crushed garlic while frying the onions. I did not.
- I used browned onions and coriander as a garnish for the Balaee. The original recipe did not call for that. 🙂
Wow Aruna!
I am so happy to see the himachali food on your blog. Had a friend from the state and loved her food. Will check out Divya’s blog too.
I am surprised by the variety of food prepared in every part of the country. Kichidi is a common preparation but many states have their signature ingredients to elevate it! Aruna, you are doing a great job introducing a wide range of dishes from all over the country!
Wow that looks delicious 🙂
Looks delicious Aruna…
Wow! that is so nutritious and an absolute comfort food..
Looks so delicious Aruna! And I love that extra chili powder!
Thank you and now I see why we get along so well. Extra chilli powder is the binding agent. 😀
Love the different rice dishes you give us. I’ve tried quite a few of your recipes n the results are always great! So this one on my next now.
Thank you, Namrata. You made my day. 🙂 🙂
Looks so good Aruna 🙂
Hi Aruna, great recipes! I see that you have a few contributions of recipes from Kangra Valley! I am searching for the recipe of a dish called Mahani. It is not available anywhere online. This is made of Anardana and besan with Dahi Wadas soaked in it. It is kind of sweet and sour. Would you know about this or have any research on this dish?
Good Morning,
I have a close family friend married into a Kangra Valley family. Let me see if I can source the recipe. Nothing better in life than searching for a reader request. 🙂
Stay tuned.
Love khichdi. This one sounds great with pulses in it. Beautiful share Aruna.
Thank you, Sumith!
Thanks.. its been so many months i am trying to find this recipe. Will try this .
Hello,
Your comment went into spam and I just discovered it. Did you try it? I hope you were happy with the dish.